Winnipeg is moving forward with improvements to the Broadway Community Centre and the Granite Curling Club thanks to over $890,000 in funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg.  Federal funding is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“These improvements to the Broadway Community Centre and the Granite Curling Club will ensure our community has access to the modern and essential recreational infrastructure we need today and in the future,” said Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“From elite athletes to weekend warriors, many curlers have cut their teeth on the rinks at the Granite Club and today’s investment ensures that future generations will be able to hone their ‘roaring game’ skills at this Manitoba institution,” said Wolseley MLA Rob Altemeyer, on behalf of the Honourable Steve Ashton, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. “Almost everyone gets their first taste of sport at their local community centre and our support for upgrades at the Broadway Community Centre recognizes the importance of grassroots activities in enhancing the lives of Manitoba families.”

“The City of Winnipeg is proud to support improvements to our 130-year-old Granite Curling Club and the expansion of the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre where young inner-city lives are positively impacted everyday,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Since becoming Mayor, I have focused on upgrading our recreational facilities so citizens across the city can access modern community centres with innovative programs that provide a safe environment for our young people.”

Investments of $447,000 from the three levels of government will help the Broadway Community Centre Inc. to expand its recreational field; add game regulation lines; replace the existing hockey rink; create a splash pad for water activities and develop a playspace at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. The federal government is contributing $161,000 through its Recreational Infrastructure Program (RInC). The Province of Manitoba is contributing $125,000, and the City of Winnipeg is contributing $161,000.  This greenspace will promote healthy and safe recreational opportunities for the inner-city residents all year round.

The three levels of government are also investing $444,197 to help the Granite Curling Club Inc. to re-construct and insulate its walls; and upgrade the ice rink with paint, a dehumidifier and a hot water boiler.  The federal government is contributing $158,497 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. The Province of Manitoba is investing $185,700 in this project, and the City of Winnipeg is contributing $100,000.

The Granite Curling Club is the oldest and largest curling club in Manitoba. These renovations are necessary to help it remain an attractive venue for competitors and members. 

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.8 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province’s recreational and community facilities, roads, schools, health facilities and water treatment facilities.

The Government of Canada’s RInC program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global downturn while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. 

Visit the RInC program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.

For broadcast use:

The Government of Canada is investing $319,497 to improve the Broadway Community Centre and the Granite Curling Club. MP Bruinooge, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for expanding and improving the facilities at the Broadway Community Centre; and for upgrading the Granite Curling Club.

For more information, contact:

Brian Williamson
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone:  204-983-6243

Charlie McDougall
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
Telephone:  204 945-1494

Carmen Barnett
Mayor’s Office
City of Winnipeg
Telephone:  204-986-5569